Apple Launches Series 12, Ultra 4, and SE 3 Smartwatches for 2026
Apple has unveiled its 2026 smartwatch lineup, introducing the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, alongside the existing Apple Watch SE 3. These models cater to different user needs, balancing health tracking, durability, battery life, and price.
The Apple Watch Series 12 serves as the flagship model for most users. It features a new Health Sensing System that measures heart rate every five seconds and offers more frequent heart rate variability (HRV) readings. A new readiness score aggregates recent activity, vitals, and sleep data to provide daily insights into the user’s physical capacity. Powered by Apple’s S11 chip, the Series 12 includes a tougher Ceramic Shield 2 display and faster charging. It is available in aluminum, titanium, and ceramic finishes, with case sizes of 42mm or 46mm, and offers up to 24 hours of battery life. Pricing starts at $399 in the US, requiring an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 27 or later.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 targets outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes with a rugged 49mm titanium case, a bright 3,000-nit display, precision dual-frequency GPS, satellite communications, and recreational diving support up to 40 meters. Sharing the Series 12’s S11 chip and Health Sensing System, the Ultra 4 extends battery life to 50 hours of normal use and up to 45 hours in extended workout mode. It also includes safety features like fall and crash detection and a built-in siren. The Ultra 4 starts at $799.
The Apple Watch SE 3 remains the budget-friendly option, unchanged since its 2025 release. It runs on the S10 chip, lacks advanced sensors like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, and has a lower 1,000-nit display brightness and an 18-hour battery life. The SE 3 is priced from $249 and is suitable for casual users or first-time smartwatch buyers.
All three models support watchOS 27, with new software features such as Siri AI and Audio Intelligence set to roll out later in 2026. Buyers should consider their lifestyle and budget: the Series 12 offers advanced health tracking in a compact design, the Ultra 4 is built for rugged outdoor use and long battery life, and the SE 3 provides essential smartwatch features at an accessible price.